Just stumbled on this thread and being a HAPPY owner of an AU series 2 XR8 with the 220 motor with now 180k + kms me done about 1000k my wife the rest in it since new.
To me I say they'd never be collectable (unfortunatley) but have to agree with alot of you on the ride and performance of these vehicles.
I could go out and update it but choose to drive it to it's death as it's been so reliable and probably good for a long time yet.
Enjoy the Au mate as they are underrated by many.
Also IMO
the Series 2 XR8 were the best looking out of the 3(Biased maybe
) but I'm not a fan of the AU 3 XR8 bodykit and had the choice of getting a Series 3 but choose the Series 2 when I bought mine(Sorry guys).Not to mention that I saved 8k on the price.+ With 60,000km FREE scheduled servicing.
Give me a T3 anyday to drive everyday.
Frank.